I am honored to be nominated to stand for chair-elect of the House, and my sincere thanks to the Nominations Committee for this opportunity to continue my service to AAPG. I am very pleased to stand alongside my friend Steve Goolsby. Regardless of the outcome of the election, I know we will both continue to be dedicated to and invested in the ongoing efforts of this vital body.

I joined AAPG in 1992, and as many can attest to, my professional growth has been closely tied to my long-term involvement with the organization. From attending meetings, training courses and professional development opportunities to accumulating mentors and escalating my leadership opportunities, my career prospects and successes have been closely intertwined with my AAPG experiences.

I have had the privilege and good fortune to get to know and volunteer with numerous past chairs of the House. From these relationships I have gleaned some fundamental philosophies that can contribute to a successful chair of the House.

In short, I break these elements into three categories. A chair of the House should:

• Devise a wise, efficient and finite agenda, as the term of chair of the House is only one year. Seek advice from the AAPG leadership and delegates, and work closely with past chairs and the successor chair to pursue relevant and timely goals, and foster continuity in the year-to-year activities of the House.
• Recognize that House resources, particularly delegates’ time, are limited. Give House committees guidance as they do the “heavy lifting” of performing the foundational work and due diligence necessary to address sometimes complicated topics. Also, work closely with committee chairs to draft recommendations that can be effectively vetted by the delegates.
• Maintain transparency at all times. As suggestions from the committees and leadership come